Dynamic Network Access Negotiation for Wireless Terminals

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless communication systems restrict device access to specific networks based on pre-defined credentials and subscription information, requiring users to pre-arrange agreements and provide confidential payment information, limiting flexibility in accessing different networks, especially when traveling abroad.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus that enable an access terminal to dynamically negotiate connection parameters with an access network, including sending a connection request with requested parameters, receiving proposed parameters, and repeating the process until a connectivity agreement is reached, with the option to involve a third party for negotiation and payment processing, allowing for encrypted or integrity-protected information.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If pre-defined credentials and subscription information are used for network access, then network security and control are improved, but device flexibility and adaptability to different networks deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork security and controlVSAvoiddevice flexibility to access different networks

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms static, pre-defined credentials into dynamic, negotiable connection parameters. The access terminal and access network engage in real-time negotiation to establish connection terms, allowing the system to adapt to different networks while maintaining security through authenticated agreement exchange.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a payment processor as an intermediary that facilitates secure transactions between the access terminal and access network. This mediator handles sensitive payment information separately, allowing the main negotiation protocol to focus on connection parameters while security and payment are handled by specialized intermediary components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If users are required to pre-arrange connectivity agreements, then service provider control and billing accuracy are improved, but user convenience and access speed deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebilling accuracy and provider controlVSAvoiduser convenience and access speed

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary action by pre-configuring the access terminal with negotiation capabilities and payment information, and pre-establishing service level descriptions. This allows the actual connection process to be rapid while maintaining accurate billing, as the framework for negotiation and payment is already in place before access is needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables self-service by allowing the access terminal to autonomously negotiate connection parameters and initiate payment processing without requiring user intervention to fill forms or trust arbitrary entities with payment information. The system automatically manages the connectivity agreement establishment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If users must provide confidential payment information to network service providers, then payment processing capability is improved, but user trust requirements and security risk deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepayment processing capabilityVSAvoidsecurity risk and trust requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a payment processor as an intermediary that handles all confidential payment information. The access terminal only needs to provide payment information to the payment processor, not to the access network itself. This mediator architecture enables payment processing capability while reducing security risks by limiting exposure of sensitive data to only necessary parties.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Reliability

If service providers must have pre-arranged agreements with local providers, then network access reliability is improved, but service provider flexibility and expansion capability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork access reliabilityVSAvoidservice provider flexibility to access different networks

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces static pre-arranged agreements with dynamic negotiation protocols. Service level descriptions define the terms of connection in a structured, negotiable format that can be adapted to different networks and regions. This allows reliable access while maintaining flexibility to expand to new networks without requiring lengthy pre-arrangement processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP2374258B1System and methods to facilitate connections to access networks

Publication Date: 2018.05.02 QUALCOMM INC

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AI summary

The described aspects relate to methods and systems for enabling connectivity agreements between access terminals and access networks. The connectivity agreements may be established through user-side negotiations or third party negotiations for a connection with an access network. In addition, the described aspects relate to methods and systems for paying access networks for a connection.